Sunday, March 7, 2010

Welcome to Lorrie Unites-Struiff's guest blog


Gypsy Crystal
By Lorrie Unites-Struiff
Release date, March 2010 from Eternal Press.

Blurb

Everyone has secrets.
Homicide Detective Rita Moldova has a secret, a crystal amulet from her Roma bloodline that shows her the last image a victim had seen before they died. Now, a ritual killer is terrorizing her town and the crystal’s magic has suddenly stopped.
FBI agent, Matt Boulet, is sent to lead the task force and gives the group strange orders. Worse, Rita senses he is holding back a deep, dark secret about the killer.
When she confronts her seer mother’s advice, she learns another secret about their clan that she finds impossible to swallow.
Rita swims through a whirlpool of confusion as the investigation continues. Can Rita deny the lore of the ancients? Can she deny her growing feelings for Matt Boulet?

Inspiration with a lot of Imagination.

Once upon a time, a good friend, an author in her own right, insisted she treat me for my birthday.
I won’t tell you which birthday, so don’t ask.
My friend took me to a quaint little restaurant where the food was scrumptious. Lo and behold, they had a gypsy fortuneteller seated at a table in the corner. Of course we indulged in both the food and having our fortunes told. The gypsy fascinated me and a few of her predictions have come true. She nailed my lifestyle and my hopes.
Needless to say, it was an interesting and fun birthday celebration.
When I returned home, my thoughts stayed with the gypsy. Being an author, I love to take interesting characters, mix in a few troublemakers, and plot storylines for them. This gypsy impressed me with her intelligence and her thoughtful chosen words, so I researched the gypsies of yore and found some very interesting reading. Their mysticism and beliefs held me captive. I admit I am often carried away with research.
Isn’t every writer?
Hence, Rita Muldova came to life, a homicide detective of Roma blood, her mother the gypsy seer and her uncle the great baker.
Following today’s popular trends of many readers, I decided to use, and yes, add a little… well…okay, a lot of mysticism of my own.
Ahem, literary license we call it.
What is a story without a love interest? I gave her a hunk from Voodoo City. My kind of guy.
Yum.
Throw in a serial killer, a good friend, and we have a wild ride of a story.
Come and meet them in March. Enjoy the ride.
Lorrie
Gypsy Crystal will be released in March 2010 from Eternal Press.
Check my website or write to me for more info.
Struiff.wordpress.com/

Excerpt


Detective Rita Moldova peeked around the corner to make sure the hallway was empty. Making a quick right turn, she slipped into the autopsy lab to have a few minutes alone with the body. She tucked her white shirt tighter into her jeans and zipped her windbreaker to stay warm in the chilly room. The harsh odor of formaldehyde hit her nostrils and stung her throat.
Her heart twisted at the sight of the young, auburn-haired woman lying on the stainless steel table. A white sheet covered her to the navel; bruises blemished the once pretty face. Contusions marred the pallid skin from elbow to shoulder. The gash on the front of her neck gaped, exposing open veins and torn tissue.
Rita flipped her thick, dark braid back over her shoulder, snapped on one latex glove, leaned over the corpse, and peeled back an eyelid. In her bare hand, she clasped a star-shaped crystal hanging from the gold chain around her neck, an endowment from her maternal Roma bloodline. The crystal heated in her palm, warm energy pulsing up her arm to her shoulder. The face captured in the victim’s eye coalesced and stared back. Rita drew in a sharp breath. Bobby Driscoll! She had known him since high school, and now he worked as a uniform in her precinct. What the hell was going on?


Bio
Lorrie Unites-Struiff is a native of West Mifflin, twenty minutes from downtown, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She writes short stories in different genres that have appeared in various publications and anthologies. When she is not sitting in front of her computer, she’s often found checking out bookstores, leading her writing workshops, or having lunch with local authors.

33 comments:

Unknown said...

I was one of the lucky ones to be able to read this story in advance of it being released. I would happily recommend it to anyone interested in a romantic thriller with a different twist.
The combination of cops, gypsies, and the paranormal come together in a way that only Lorrie can pull off.
Congratulations on the release. I know that it will do well for you and will bring new readers to your great stories.

maria altobelli said...

Dang, I was so excited about being the first to post that I erased the thing trying to correct a spelling error.

This is so cool, Lorrie. Everything about it looks inviting --- the story line, the inspiration, and the excerpt. To say nothing of the snazzy cover.

A question for us old-fashioned types --- this can be ordered through Amazon as one of those things that readers can hold in their hands, right?

Nothing against e-books but for me, there's just something about an actual book that can't be beat.

Anyway, congratulations and way to go. YEAH LORRIE AND WAHOO and all that good stuff. You deserve lots of sales. Rita is a fantastic heroine. More, more!

Frances Macias Mossman said...

I bought my copy today!

The story is an exciting mix of horror, suspense, and a steamy romance. The gypsy heritage is well-researched and shows through in its authenticity. Rita Moldova is a modern heroine.

"Gypsy Crystal" is a fast-paced read with a surprising twist. The tension never lets up and displays the wonderful talents of debut author Lorrie Struiff...

Anonymous said...

Sounds amazing Lorrie...what a great inspiration... I always love it when a story come from something like that.

Sharon said...

Hey Lorrie

So exciting and this little novel will keep folks reading from beginning to end.

All the best for lots of sales and more books to come.

Sharon

Sharon said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Unknown said...

Hi Dave, thanks for stopping by. Yep, you made a darn good crit partner and we had fun. Let's do it again soon.

Maria, I'm not sure about a print version. EP will inform us and if so, I'll let you know. Meanwhile, maybe Victor can run you off a copy when ordered. Gracias for stopping by. Hmm, did I spell that right.

Thank you Frances for purchasing a copy and the praise. I'm glad you enjoyed the novella. And thank you so much for stopping by and letting other readers know what you think of the story. I really appreciate.

Hi Brigit,

We do find stories and inspiration in the oddest places, as you know.
So nice of you to drop and say hi.
Thanks again.

I do want to mention folks, the winner of the drawing will be announced her tonight around ten EST. Let's hope my computer doesn't decide to have one of it's wonky nights. If so, I will get to the winner tomorrow.
Lorrie

Unknown said...

Hmm, Sharon must want her name in the hat twice. lol. Yes, I know, sticky computer.
Thank you Sharon, you have been an inspiration to me with your wonderful stories I have read.
Keep it up.

Tabitha Shay said...

Hey Lorrie,
Great excerpt and a great book...I had my fortune told once by a fortune teller and it was amazing...she hit everything on the head...anyway, best of luck to you and ur new release....Tabs

Unknown said...

Hmm, Sharon, my first comment didn't show up here either.

I had written that you must want your name if the hat twice, lol. Now, I'm having the same problem with either sticky computer, or something.

Also, I want to tell you that reading your stories have always been such a pleasure and are truly inspiring for authors like me.

Carlie Parke said...

What an imagination! I am amazed that you can dream up these stories out of "thin air". The embelishments of your characters is quite an art. I wonder why someone doesn't make T.V. movies out of your work. Keep on writing, you have such a great talent.
Carlie

Cate Masters said...

Congrats on your release, Lorrie! Gypsy Crystal sounds like a fascinating read. I love that you get carried away by research (I do too). It always lends authenticity to a story. Happy release day!

Unknown said...

Hello Tabs,

The fortune teller was amazing. I kept my mouth shut determined not to give her any hints or clues. And this wasn't a preplanned event. So yes, she knocked my socks off.
Thanks for dropping in.

Unknown said...

Hi Carlie,
So nice to hear from you and thanks for being here. Gypsy was a fun project. It started as a short story, and like the Energizer Bunny, just kept going. I'm glad it did.

Hi Cate,
Yes, at times research is my bad habit. I get so engrossed. I once did a short story, historical fiction, about the Valentine Day massacre and was so entralled with the history, the characters, I almost forgot to write the story. lol. Thanks for the happy launch.

Anonymous said...

After reading everybody's comments, I became even more excited about reading Gypsy Crystal!

I will keep you posted on my journey through the myriad of characters and plot!

Lorrie, if the story is as enticing as the excerpt, you will have much success!

You are living the dream!

CONGRATULATION!!

Holly

Cellophane Queen said...

Congrats, Lorrie! I'll be posting my review on my blog tomorrow (Monday) first thing.

I, too, have read the book (a couple times, eh?) and it's terrific. I hope it does come out in print so I can put it on my shelf of books by authors I know.

See you tonight at the release party on EP.

Unknown said...

I, too, had the opportunity to read Lorrie's release beforehand, and I truly enjoyed it. I'm posting a review on examiner.com tomorrow, so hope you'll check it out.

http://www.examiner.com/x-34490-eBooks-Examiner

Foxx Miyamoto said...

I love the story of you inspiration, Lorrie. Sounds like it was a fun night out! I love the idea of a cop with gypsy heritage! Very creative. WTG :)

Unknown said...

Holly, you're back. Howdy. Yes, please keep me apprised of what you think of the story. I'll be naming you president of my fan club soon. lol.
Thank you.

Ah, Marva,
What would I do without friends like you. I'll be waiting for your release too. I'm sure Remy will be a hit.

becky said...

Can't wait to read Gypsy Crystal in its entirety!

I read some of the novella, so entertaining!

I'm impressed with the cover!

Destiny Blaine said...

I'm sold on Gypsy Crystal and can't wait to read this sensational romantic suspense. Great promise for a future best seller. Wow!

Hugs,
Destiny Blaine

Unknown said...

Ginger, we had a great time on your guest blog on Friday. I'll be looking for your review and keeping my fingers crossed. Nice to see you here today.

Cindy Jacks,
I'd say a mystical crystal for a homicide cop would be a great career booster. lol. Yes, Rita is a bit different and she has some great relatives.
Thanks for the comment.

Unknown said...

Wow,Becky so glad to hear from you. Yes, my first few chapters were handed in to my face to face crit group. I'm so happy you will now be able to read the whole novella.
Take care, I've been missing you.

Destiny, thanks for the comment and the invite. We'll be chatting soon. Hey, love your site.

Anonymous said...

Hi Lorrie,

Thought I'd stop by again and congratulate you on your accomplishment. I envy anyone who can write novels or novellas, and such good ones at that.

Don't know if I'll make it online tonight or not. We may be having company, but I will if I can. Anyway, thought I'd put in another appearance now.

What else can I say? You did a great job on this, and the excerpt really does make you want to pick up a copy and read it. Nicely done

Cathy

Darla said...

Congratulations Lorrie!

So the day has finally come! How's it feel to have your novella published? Have your feet touched the ground yet?
I'm so happy for you!

I too hope this comes out in paperback. I like curling up with a good suspense, mystery or romance. Lets all keep our fingers crossed.

Love the idea of the Gypsy Roma heritage. The crystal and the power it holds. Very intriguing.
And just the name, Matt Boule...yum.

Again, congrats!
Darla

Unknown said...

Hi Cathy, nice of you to stop by with expected company and all, thanks for the congrats.

Darla, it feels sort of surreal to have my first novella published. I'm so used to short stories. I hope to work on many more. And you can't have Matt, he's all mine.
And honest, I'll work on the new subs tomorrow or consult my crystal ball for some great predictions.

Trent Kinsey said...

Sorry it took so long to stop by lol...was in the yard playing all day...Hope you have many sales Lorrie!

Rob Dubas said...

Congrats Lorrie! I read most of the story through the various drafts in group, but you never submitted the ending. That was a sneaking way to get us to buy the book! Looking forward to seeing how your characters figure it all out.

DawnsReadingNook said...

Hi Lorrie,

Your book sounds awesome. I added it to my reading list. :) Thanks for coming.

Dawn
Owner-LRC

She said...

Sounds like a good read. It's now on my wish list.

DESIGN DOCTOR said...

Hey Lorrie
After reading the excerpt, I can't wait to read the book.

Do you happen to know exactly what date in March, Eternal Press is releasing your book? I'd love to know because I can't wait to buy it.

Can you believe this all started from a crystal ball?

Unknown said...

Thank you all for dropping in today. And thank you my dear host for having me.

I have put the names in the hat, I'm happy to announce that Cathy is the winner tonight.

I'll be sending you the pdf tomorrow Cathy.

This has been fun.
Thank you all again.

nikki said...

You did it, my friend!! All those visions, all that energy, effort & eye-crossing paid off at last! I'm so very happy for you. Thank you for the honor of "introducing" Rita & the crew to me during your creative process. As always, my friend, it was a pleasure. Cheers!